Honoring the Survivors

The gala brings together corporations, national leaders, celebrities and individuals to empower domestic violence survivors and honors 150 brave women and girls (aged 13+) who have survived the brutality of domestic abuse and currently reside in shelters. The honorees receive complimentary makeovers, including formal attire that they will wear to the red-carpet event and take home with them. In addition, each survivor will participate in free self-defense classes before the gala and sit down to an “A-style” dinner with celebrity guests and corporate friends at the event. As young as 13 years old, the survivors receive glamorous personal makeovers, sophisticated pampering, free self-defense classes and an “A-style” dinner with our celebrity guests and corporate friends. Our honorees (or “Divas” as we call them) are celebrated for persevering through their domestic abuse and are treated to a time of their lives!

The 10th Annual "Dinner for Divas" - 2019 Date: TBD

Highlights from last year's Dinner For Divas Gala

We need volunteers!

There are several volunteer opportunities related to the Dinner for Divas Gala. We need volunteers for receiving guests, space set up, runners, registering guests, moving items, maintaining and updating guest sign-in and database, serving water and snacks, hanging signs, assisting guests with selections and check-in and checkout of selections and maintaining order and organization.

2018 Keynote Speaker - Mikki Taylor

Mikki Taylor is the country’s leading authority on inner and outer beauty for women of color, with more than thirty years of experience in media. A highly sought after speaker, she empowers women on the main stages of the world, sharing insights and solutions to help them own their lives, celebrate their beauty and master their purpose with distinction. A passionate and effective communicator, she empowers multigenerational women, sharing insights and solutions about that which can impact their magic — from the lack of treasuring their vision space and taking time to “self nurture,” to toxic relationships and behaviors that can devalue and defeat them. Taylor, has worked with some of the world’s most fascinating and influential people including Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Rihanna, Oprah Winfrey and more. She has enjoyed a wealth of media appearances on such shows as Good Morning America, The View, The Steve Harvey Show and such networks as CNN, CBS and NBC. One of Taylor's most treasured experiences was serving as an instructor at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa at the special invitation of Oprah Winfrey. As the former Beauty & Cover Director at ESSENCE magazine, she casted and produced over 500 covers as well as its signature beauty pages — not only to deliver a signature style for the Brand — but to shape and affirm the definition of beauty for its audience. Today Taylor serves as editor-at-large, hosting and affirming its readers at live events. As president of Satin Doll Productions, Inc. a strategic branding, consulting, and communications company, Taylor helps companies carve out effective marketing initiatives, increase consumer engagement and products that resonate with today’s audience of “Brown Beauty Enthusiasts.” Taylor is the author of the critically acclaimed books Self-Seduction, Commander in Chic and Editor in Chic, How to Style and Be Your Most Empowered Self which debuted at booksellers nationwide May 1, 2018.

2018 VIP Reception Chef & Host - Chef LoveJones

Chef Rodney LoveJones, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, is San Diego’s most promising “breakout” confectionery and comfort food talents. Noted especially for his creative spin on vintage recipes, LoveJones is inspired by his beloved grandfather, William Samuel Jones, who often conjured up extraordinary delectables. LoveJones warmly recalls Papa Jones teaching him to cook luxurious brandy and rum sauces in the kitchen at the tender age of 3. Chef LoveJones captured the attention of many notable clients like President Bill Clinton, Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine, Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Senator Vincent Hughes, Vanessa L. Williams and Model-Mogul Tyra Banks with his creations of such palate pleasers as Amaretto Pound Cake, Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Haute ‘Chok-Lit’ quad Layer Cake and a Pecan Tart that does not disappoint true dessert connoisseurs. Chef LoveJones has be showcased in Essence Magazine, Union Tribune San Diego, Zagat, San Diego Home & Gardens, The Reader San Diego, Fox 5 San Diego and KUSI San Diego and is a contributing Lifestyles and Food Editor for World Bride Magazine. An alumnus of the Institute of Culinary Education; studied Hotel & Restaurant Management at New York University; and he currently resides in the beautiful city of San Diego, California.